06:30 Newscast, September 6th, 2016

The discussion about getting more aid to flood victims in Louisiana begins on the federal level today when Congress reconvenes for the fall session. Governor John Bel Edwards wants a two-billion dollar package that will cover housing, economic development and infrastructure repairs. Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy is optimistic Congress will help…:
CUT 7 (08) “pretty generous”
He says 49 parishes have been declared disaster areas this year from the March and August floods and the entire state is trying to recover.

State Police in Slidell are investigating a three-vehicle fatal Labor Day crash on I-10 that claimed the life of a 26-year-old man from New Jersey. They say, during a time when it was pouring rain and the roadway was wet, 66-year-old Milton Frank of Lacombe lost control of his vehicle and cross through the median into the opposite lanes of traffic. At that time a 2016 BMW driven by Steven Fernandez hit Frank’s vehicle head on. Fernandez died on the scene.

The third phase of the disaster food stamp program begins today as flood victims in nine more parishes can receive DSNAP benefits. Sammy Guillory, with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, says if you lost food or income as a result of the floods and do NOT receive regular food stamps, you could be eligible…:
Cut 10 (05) “by the floods”
D-SNAP operations open in Evangeline, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, St. James, St. Martin, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana and western parts of St. Tammany.

The American Red Cross is now providing casework that can connect flood victims with other resources, including financial aid. Spokesperson Anthony Tornetta says, in some cases, they could start to give people who didn’t get money through FEMA spending cash…:
cut 4 (10) “case basis”

 

AM Newscall, September 6th, 2016

The American Red Cross is providing limited financial aid and casework for people affected by the flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Congress is expected to begin discussions about federal aid for Louisiana’s flood relief efforts as they return to Washington D-C for the fall session today. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

Fort Polk is in the process of trying to find homes for 750 horses that roam on the grounds of the military base in Vernon Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The American Red Cross is now providing casework that can connect flood victims with other resources, besides the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Red Cross Spokesperson Anthony Tornetta says in some case they will actually provide a family with some spending cash, if they don’t qualify for federal disaster assistance through FEMA…

cut 4  (10)  “case basis”

Flood victims can register for this aid at Red-Cross-dot-org-slash-LA-flood-assistance (redcross.org/lafloodassistance). Tornetta says after registering, the Red Cross is able to provide limited financial assistance in 48 to 72 hours. He says the amount of aid available is done on a case by case basis.

Cut 5  (09)  “by home”

Tornetta says it’s not a lot, but the idea is to help start the recovery process and transition to some sort of normalcy. He says financial assistance is only available to certain people and the Red Cross has case workers on hand that can help flood victims find additional resources to assist in their recovery…

Cut 6 (10) “considered damaged”

_______________________________________________

Congress reconvenes for the fall session today, which means the discussion begins about getting more federal aid to Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards wants Congress to approve a two-billion dollar federal aid package that will cover housing, economic development and infrastructure repairs. In a letter to the White House, the governor called it a reasonable request. Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy is optimistic Congress will help

CUT 7 (08)  “pretty generous”

Edwards says they’ve documented that 55-thousand homes were damaged the catastrophic flooding and over 80-percent of damaged homes lacked flood damage. Cassidy says he’s already spoken to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell about Louisiana’s needs…

Cut 8 (10) “to help” 

Cassidy also wants to help those who were impacted by the flooding in north Louisiana in March. He says 49 parishes have been declared disaster areas this year from floods and the entire state is trying to recover.

Cut 9 (09)  “the job”

___________________________________________________________

The third phase of the disaster food stamp program begins today as flood victims in nine more parishes can receive a benefits card to purchase food. Sammy Guillory, with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, says if you lost food or income as a result of the floods and do NOT receive regular food stamps, you could be eligible for this special assistance…

Cut 10 (05) “by the floods”

D-SNAP operations open in Evangeline, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, St. James, St. Martin, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana and western parts of St. Tammany. So far, Guillory says almost 110-thousand households have received disaster food stamps and the distribution has gone well…

cut 11 (10) “serve them” 

Guillory says if you are a flood victim and were denied disaster food stamps, you can appeal…

cut 12 (07) “by a supervisor”

_______________________________________________________

Fort Polk has about 750 horses on their property and the military base in Vernon Parish is looking to give them a new home. Public Affairs Officer Troy Darr says the horses were probably abandoned over the years and started to reproduce. He says they are willing to give the horses to animal welfare groups or private citizens.

Cut 13 (08) “the horses”

Darr says the horses range from very healthy to some that are probably on their last leg. He says three animal welfare groups have already signed up, and a lot of people are interested.

cut 14 (08)  “couple dozen”

Darr says they have to get the horses off the property, because the soldiers use the grassy areas to train, but that’s also where the horses like to graze. He says they also land planes and helicopters in those areas, which can be dangerous for the horses and the soldiers.

Cut 15 (08) “themselves”

_______________________________________________________

We hear from LSU Coach Les Miles today for the first time since Saturday’s disappointing loss to an unranked Wisconsin team. Former LSU offensive lineman and now talk show host on WWL Radio in New Orleans, T-Bob Hebert, says Miles has likely told the players that this isn’t the time to sit around and feel sorry for yourself…

Cut 16  (12)  “of them”

There’s a lot of blame to go around for the way the Tigers played against the Badgers. Much of the criticism has fallen on the shoulders of quarterback Brandon Harris. Hebert says it’s important for the junior signal caller to ignore the negative comments about his play…

Cut 17 (08)  “at hand “

The Tigers had just 257 yards of total offense on Saturday. Hebert says it’s unlikely the coaching staff will make big adjustments after a poor performance against the Badgers….

Cut 18 (10) “I don’t know”

 

AM Newscall September 6,2016

The American Red Cross is providing limited financial aid and casework for people affected by the flooding. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Congress is expected to begin discussions about federal aid for Louisiana’s flood relief efforts as they return to Washington D-C for the fall session today. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

Fort Polk is in the process of trying to find homes for 750 horses that roam on the grounds of the military base in Vernon Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The American Red Cross is now providing casework that can connect flood victims with other resources, besides the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Red Cross Spokesperson Anthony Tornetta says in some case they will actually provide a family with some spending cash, if they don’t qualify for federal disaster assistance through FEMA…

cut 4  (10)  “case basis”

Flood victims can register for this aid at Red-Cross-dot-org-slash-LA-flood-assistance (redcross.org/lafloodassistance). Tornetta says after registering, the Red Cross is able to provide limited financial assistance in 48 to 72 hours. He says the amount of aid available is done on a case by case basis.

Cut 5  (09)  “by home”

Tornetta says it’s not a lot, but the idea is to help start the recovery process and transition to some sort of normalcy. He says financial assistance is only available to certain people and the Red Cross has case workers on hand that can help flood victims find additional resources to assist in their recovery…

Cut 6 (10) “considered damaged”

_______________________________________________

Congress reconvenes for the fall session today, which means the discussion begins about getting more federal aid to Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards wants Congress to approve a two-billion dollar federal aid package that will cover housing, economic development and infrastructure repairs. In a letter to the White House, the governor called it a reasonable request. Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy is optimistic Congress will help

CUT 7 (08)  “pretty generous”

Edwards says they’ve documented that 55-thousand homes were damaged the catastrophic flooding and over 80-percent of damaged homes lacked flood damage. Cassidy says he’s already spoken to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell about Louisiana’s needs…

Cut 8 (10) “to help” 

Cassidy also wants to help those who were impacted by the flooding in north Louisiana in March. He says 49 parishes have been declared disaster areas this year from floods and the entire state is trying to recover.

Cut 9 (09)  “the job”

___________________________________________________________

The third phase of the disaster food stamp program begins today as flood victims in nine more parishes can receive a benefits card to purchase food. Sammy Guillory, with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, says if you lost food or income as a result of the floods and do receive regular food stamps, you could be eligible for this special assistance…

Cut 10 (05) “by the floods”

D-SNAP operations open in Evangeline, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, St. James, St. Martin, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana and western parts of St. Tammany. So far, Guillory says almost 110-thousand households have received disaster food stamps and the distribution has gone well…

cut 11 (10) “serve them” 

Guillory says if you are a flood victim and were denied disaster food stamps, you can appeal…

cut 12 (07) “by a supervisor”

_______________________________________________________

Fort Polk has about 750 horses on their property and the military base in Vernon Parish is looking to give them a new home. Public Affairs Officer Troy Darr says the horses were probably abandoned over the years and started to reproduce. He says they are willing to give the horses to animal welfare groups or private citizens.

Cut 13 (08) “the horses”

Darr says the horses range from very healthy to some that are probably on their last leg. He says three animal welfare groups have already signed up, and a lot of people are interested.

cut 14 (08)  “couple dozen”

Darr says they have to get the horses off the property, because the soldiers use the grassy areas to train, but that’s also where the horses like to graze. He says they also land planes and helicopters in those areas, which can be dangerous for the horses and the soldiers.

Cut 15 (08) “themselves”

_______________________________________________________

We hear from LSU Coach Les Miles today for the first time since Saturday’s disappointing loss to an unranked Wisconsin team. Former LSU offensive lineman and now talk show host on WWL Radio in New Orleans, T-Bob Hebert, says Miles has likely told the players that this isn’t the time to sit around and feel sorry for yourself…

Cut 16  (12)  “of them”

There’s a lot of blame to go around for the way the Tigers played against the Badgers. Much of the criticism has fallen on the shoulders of quarterback Brandon Harris. Hebert says it’s important for the junior signal caller to ignore the negative comments about his play…

Cut 17 (08)  “at hand “

The Tigers had just 257 yards of total offense on Saturday. Hebert says it’s unlikely the coaching staff will make big adjustments after a poor performance against the Badgers….

Cut 18 (10) “I don’t know”

14:30 Newscast September 5,2016

The US Senate race in Louisiana should start to heat up, as Labor Day is known to kick off the election season. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Tigers Head Coach Les Miles has suspended offensive lineman Josh Boutte (Boo-tay) for one game after his personal foul on D’Cota Dixon, a Wisconsin defensive back. Boutte will sit out this Saturday’s game against Jacksonville State in Tiger Stadium. Miles says plays like this don’t belong in football even though Boutte made a mistake. Miles says Boutte personally called Dixon today to apologize.

 

 

The Louisiana Rising nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Baton Rouge River Center. WAFB Baton Rouge anchor Lauren Westbrook is co-hosting along with Randy Jackson and Harry Connick Jr.
Cut 4 (07) “La flooding fund”

The concert will feature a few big name artists like Aaron Neville, Hunter Hayes, Better than Ezra, Rebirth Brass Band and more. Tickets are not on sale for the general public but the audience will be filled with those who were on the front lines during the flooding.

What is the state of labor in Louisiana on this Labor Day Holiday? LSU Economist Loren Scott says some industries are thriving, depending on where you live. He says Lake Charles and Baton Rouge are doing well with a boom in construction employment but Houma and Lafayette are not looking so good…
Cut 7 (10) “than that.”

13:30 Newcast September 5,2016

The Labor Day Holiday is today and many Louisiana’s are enjoying time off with their friends and family, but what is the actual state of labor in the state? LSU Economist Loren Scott says Shreveport has taken a small hit because of a downturn in the energy industry but things remain stagnant in the central part of the state.
Cut 9 (07) “Monroe area.”

Scott says Baton Rouge and Lake Charles are doing well with a big boom in construction employment.

This weekend typically kicks off fall and football season, but it’s also the beginning of the election season. The big statewide election in Louisiana in the US Senate race with 24 candidates on the ballot. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says message and visibility will be important before election day because there are so many candidates in the race.
Cut 13 (10) “make it.”

 
A nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. Michelle Southern has more…
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Monroe County, Florida Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a Natchitoches man who was snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas. Authorities say 67-year-old Bryan Wimberly was diving from a commercial vessel when his dive partner noticed he was panicking underwater. Wimberly was retrieved by a rescue diver and CPR was performed. Wimberly was the director of the Natchitoches utility system and served as a fire chief.

12:30 Newscast September 5,2016

The Louisiana Rising nationally broadcasted flood relief concert takes place tonight at the Baton Rouge River Center theater. WAFB Baton Rouge Anchor Lauren Westbrook says the concert will give the rest of the country a chance to see what a terrible and devastating event this continues to be, and how they can help. She says tickets are not on sale to the general public, but instead the audience will be filled with people who were on the front lines…:
Cut 6 (09) “in some cases”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says Baton Rouge gained 95-hundred jobs over the last year and Lake Charles gained 31-hundred. LSU Economist Loren Scott says these numbers come from a big boom in construction employment. But he says the oil industry continues to be a drag on the state’s labor market.
Cut 8 (10) “lease sale”

 

 

Labor Day kicks of the beginning of football season but it also marks the start to the election season. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the 24 candidates in the US Senate race will likely ramp up their get the vote out campaign, which means you’ll start to hear more from them.
Cut 15 (04) “process”

Dubos says fundraising will likely pick up soon as well, particularly from national super PACs.

The LSU Tigers return to the practice field today after a devastating opening loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. It’s the first time the Tigers have lost the first game of the year during the Les Miles era. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran was at the game in Lambeau Field and the says the 2016 season has already hit a crossroad…
Cut 10 (07) “quickly”

18:30 LRN Newscast Sept 2

Construction has begun on 15 homes covered by the Shelter at Home Program. Emelie Gunn spoke with one of those homeowners…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

During Saturday’s big game between LSU and Wisconsin, American Family Insurance is partnering with Wisconsin Athletics to raise money for the American Red Cross’ flood relief efforts in Louisiana. Fans at home and at the game can donate $10 by texting “LAFLOOD” to 90999.

A new study from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country. Bob Johannessen with LDH says there is a lack of sidewalks in Louisiana, and in some cases limited outdoor activity options. He says there is also less access to physical activity in school.

Cut 4 (08) “might expect”
The study finds Louisiana’s adult obesity rate is 36-percent.

Additional criminal charges have been filed against the driver of the bus who crashed into emergency vehicles in St. John Parish, causing the death of three people including the fire chief. The third victim succumbed to injuries on Thursday. Melissa Matey says Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodriguez, an illegal alien, faces multiple charges.

Cut 8 (10) “can do”

Rodriguez reportedly claimed his breaks went out when he slammed into the vehicles.

16:30 LRN Newscast Sept 2

Construction began today on 15 homes in the Shelter At Home Program. The program pays up to $15-thousand for basic home repairs to make the house livable. Patricia Lee says she applied for the program on Monday, and workers are already fixing her home.

Cut 13 (10) “the insulation”

To register for the program, go to ShelterAtHome.La.Gov.

Disaster unemployment benefits are available for flood victims. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams, says anyone whose employment was interrupted by the disaster can apply through October 14.

Cut 14 (10) “to apply”

Visit LaWorks.Net to register.

Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, according to a new report from Trust for America’s Health. Bob Johannessen with the Department of Health says this isn’t surprising because there are studies dating back to 2008 that show Louisiana as one of the heaviest states.

Cut 3 (09) “on this”

It’s Labor Day weekend, which means people will be enjoying time with friends and family, and State Police will be on the lookout for drunk drivers. Trooper Dustin Dwight says they’ll also be looking for motorists who are speeding, driving recklessly, and distracted drivers. He advises people to use the 511 app this holiday weekend.

Cut 7 (09) “location”

Dwight says there will be checkpoints and extra police on the roads this weekend.

13:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

Crews with the Shelter at Home Program started construction on 15 homes today. Patricia Lee’s home was one of thousands flooded during the historic rain event and contractors are currently working on her house. Lee says the workers are fixing a bedroom and a bathroom so she can live in the home while the rebuilding process continues…:
Cut 11 (08) “and everything”
To register for the program visit shelter-at-home-dot-la-dot-gov.

It’s Labor Day weekend, which means it’s time for fun with friends and family, but State Police are warning drivers not to drink and drive. Trooper Dustin Dwight…:
CUT 6 (10) “weekend”
He says there will be checkpoints and extra police out on the roadways to protect the motoring public.

A 43-year-old woman died in a house fire Friday morning in north Kenner, Fire Chief John Hellmers said. He said they were able to attack the blaze quickly, but sadly located the victim’s body on the floor of the home in a rear bedroom. The name is being withheld until all relatives can be notified, Hellmers said.

There’s another study out saying Louisiana has the highest obesity rate in the country. Bob Johannessen with LDH says we lack sidewalks in neighborhoods here, and in some cases limited outdoor activity options. He says there is also less access to physical activity in school…:
CUT 4 (08) “might expect”
Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana’s adult obesity rate is 36-percent.

Tomorrow is the big game between LSU and Wisconsin, and Madison-based American Family Insurance is partnering with Wisconsin athletics to raise money that will go towards American Red Cross’ flood relief efforts in Louisiana. Fans will be asked to donate by texting “LAFLOOD” to 90999.

 

12:30 Newscast, September 2nd, 2016

Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the country, according to a new report from Trust for America’s Health. Don Molino has more…:
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

Disaster unemployment benefits are available for flood victims. Director of the Unemployment Insurance Program, Renita Ward Williams, says anyone who is unemployed or who has had their job interrupted because of the recent flood can apply for this program through October 14th…:
cut 14 (10) “to apply”
At LaWorks.net.

Additional criminal charges have been filed against the driver of the bus who crashed into emergency vehicles in St. John Parish, causing the death of three people including the fire chief. The third victim succumbed to injuries on Thursday. Melissa Matey says Denis Yasmir Amaya Rodriguez, an illegal alien, faces multiple charges…:
CUT 8 (07) “no drivers’ license”
State Police is investigating the crash. The feds are looking into the bus company and how this man was able to get it with no drivers license.

AAA says that gas prices are rising as we close out the summer driving season. At $2.05 for a statewide average, it’s about 3 cents higher than the prior week, and 10 cents more than a month ago.